2024-02-13 10:19:26
Tom Bruce of Chittagong Challengers was bowled by the first ball in Google. The umpire responded to the request of LBW by extending both hands and ran away! Colorful Babri hair fluttered in the wind, creating a mesmerizing scene. 44-year-old Imran Tahir made his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) debut with a brilliant, first-ball wicket. Before this, he did not get off the field even when he came to play BPL once again, this time he took a wicket with the first ball and made up for that regret.
44 years of age could not stop Tahir. At an age when cricketers get busy with coaching or anything related to cricket, this leg spinner is still on the field. Rangpur Riders flew him for two matches after the SA Twenty20. After playing the first match in Dhaka, the last match will be played in Chittagong tomorrow. This cricketer who has played more than 400 T20 matches spoke to RisingBD about his cricket philosophy including IPL-BPL. The magnet section is highlighted for readers.
Playing a match for the first time in BPL, how do you feel?
Imran Tahir: Look, just played one match. But a very good experience. Very professional team. People are very nice. I can feel it already. I can catch it, because I play cricket all over the world. I can already understand if the atmosphere is bad when I go to play somewhere. It’s all experience. I am here for last three-four days. People here are very professional. I would like to thank Rangpur for giving me the opportunity.
How do you see the local cricketers?
Imran Tahir: It’s a great experience to have local talent, regardless of the team. As you can see, this is why Rangpur is at the top of the points list. Because the team will not do well if only the foreign cricketers perform, the locals also have to do. I came here from South Africa, the wicket was different, the players were different. I think the game here is of a very high standard. I have to uphold that standard here as well. All in all it feels good. I understand why Rangpur is at the top.
In your country also the franchise based tournament became SA T20. Where are you watching the tournament in your own country?
Imran Tahir: I think SA T20 has become the second best league in the world after IPL. My experience says so. Much like the BPL, the ground is full of spectators, the crowd is frenzied. Local participation is critical to the success of any tournament. The standard of play here is quite high like in South Africa.
There is a criticism about the wicket here. How did you see the wicket of SA Twenty?
Imran Tahir: Almost all leagues now have very small field boundaries. As a bowler I have complaints about this. I don’t get many spin assisted wickets in South Africa. Always a flat wicket, short boundaries. As a bowler you have to be more efficient. Have to adapt.
Expecting Chittagong wicket spinning?
Imran Tahir: No chance (laughs). I have already seen the wicket. I can only rotate oranges and apples outside the field here. Nothing else (laughs).
Where do you think the position of BPL compared to other leagues in the world?
Imran Tahir: I think, wherever you go to play in the world, people will talk more about IPL. Its magnitude is so great, everyone wants to go there. At the end of the day, to me it’s like; They are playing cricket there, I am playing cricket here. The demand of the local people tells how big the league is.
I have seen the whole gallery in Dhaka, now coming here. I am expecting a good audience here as well. I played here for South Africa in the World Cup, there were many spectators. For me, the quality of the league is the talent of the local cricketers (showcase). Many foreign cricketers come and go here. Players who want to come here, play from all over the world. This shows the quality of the league.
Came to BPL with a goal?
Imran Tahir: If I didn’t have a personal goal, I wouldn’t be here. I used to sit at home and have tea, watch the game and say you are doing well. As an athlete I came here with a goal, that goal is to perform. I am happy with what I can do according to the needs of the team. I take this opportunity seriously, I am trying to give my best. You know, we can only try, the results are not in our hands.
The best all-rounder in the world is in your team. Was there any talk with him before coming to BPL?
Imran Tahir: Not yet in person. I have not yet congratulated him on being a Member of Parliament. He should be congratulated tomorrow. I was very busy, came to the team, played. It is great to have such a big cricketer like Shakib in the team, he is a world class all-rounder.
At the age of 44, you are still in the field. How do you manage yourself?
Imran Tahir: Sometimes you don’t get the chance sooner (earlier). If you get a late chance, you can’t miss it, I believe. I fulfill the responsibility given to me by any party. I am not thinking of quitting the game until the teams give me responsibility. I don’t look at age, that’s my personality.